Great Lakes Experience Festival still seeking Sponsors

OBSERVER File Photo

A popular waterfront event is returning this June to Dunkirk.

For the fourth time in five years, the Great Lakes Experience will be part of the city’s upcoming events for the spring and summer months. The event is to take place at the city-owned lot between the Clarion Hotel and Tim Hortons from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 17.

“The festival targets all members of the community — young and old, avid fishermen and those attempting their first cast,” said Hector Rosas, special events and Dunkirk Festivals coordinator.

In addition to the festival, which is presented in collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service of the Lower Great Lakes Region, there also will be fishing for youth at the site in the hours preceding the event.

“Every year, the Great Lakes Experience invites local wildlife and environmental organizations to participate in the festival,” Rosas said. “Each of these groups has a tent with a display that represents their organization’s mission and purpose. … The festival includes many activities and demonstrations that draw the interest of young and old alike.”

OBSERVER File Photo

The first Great Lakes Experience was held in Memorial Park in 2013 and the event continued through 2015. In all, more than 6,500 people attended the three events, which included a number of exhibits focusing on the lake, fish, birds and even the Buffalo Zoomobile.

For those seeking more information — or who would like to help sponsor the event, call the city of Dunkirk at 366-9877.